Writing Notes

Topic: How to write a body paragraph

General info - Body paragraphs should: Format MLA citation

Be 8-11 sentences, depending on # of quotes       ↳2 quotes = 8 sentences, 3 quotes = 11 sentences Begin w a topic sentence End with a conclusion sentence Must be written in third person Do not mention points you cannot support Topic sentence- main point of paragraph Concrete detail #1 - quote with citation Commentary #1- analysis/ explanation       ↳What is the significance of the quote? How does it support        the thesis? Commentary #2- more analysis Concrete detail #2- 2nd quote w citation Commentary #1- analysis/ explanation on second quote Commentary #2- more analysis Conclusion sentence- wrap up and transition Citation = (author’s last name #) Use quotation marks around any line taken from a text       ↳Ex: “I wondered what he [Jem] was thinking” (Lee 349). Use brackets to show you added something to a quote (i.e. name for clarity) Use single quotes inside double quotes to show characters are talking      ↳Ex: “ ‘Hush a minute, Scout,’ he said” (Lee 349). Only include punctuation inside a quote if it is a question mark (?) or exclamation mark (!)

Sonnets and its Complexity 

Sonnet means "little song."

*Shakespeare would adjust the pronunciation of words to make the rhyme scheme work. 

*Rhyme Scheme of Shakespearean sonnets- ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG 

*Always fourteen lines in all. 

*Quatrain number 1= first four lines, first set.

   ~ask a question or present a problem

*Quatrain number 2= next four lines, second set.

   ~develop the problem or explain the situation

*Quatrain number 3= next four lines, third set. 

   ~turning point

*Last two lines of sonnet is a couplet. 

   ~couplet-two lines in a row that rhyme 

   ~resolution, "take away"
*10 syllables

Formal Writing Tips From Tucker

Format

• Double space

Tone

• Keep in third person- delete all first and second person 
• Remove all contractions. Change "can't" to "cannot" and other similar to that. 

Thesis Statement 

• Title (italics)
• Author's full  name 
• Claim 

Tucketo Panel Discussion on Introductions!

What my fabulous teachers, Tucker and Neto, have to say about essay introductions in both science and English. 

• Make eye contact!
• Conversation format

Strategies:

1. unusual fact and transition thesis 
2. thought provoking quote w/ citation and thesis 

Basic Paragraph Structure:

1. Hook: grab reader's attention
2. Transition: explanation and analysis- what is significant about hook? How does it connect to your thesis/hypothesis?

Thesis/Hypothesis: main assertion 

(Eng) (Sci)  

English

• utilize unusual/intriguing fact to hook
• maybe use a quote that is substantive and get out the deeper meaning of the quote
• make sure it relates to the issue at hand, make a connection
• If you use a question, be sure to have it be strong and thought-provoking 

Science

make sure it relates to the issue at hand, make a connection

hypothesis 

quick facts, stats, etc.

topic sentence 

NO QUESTIONS AS A HOOK!

Argumentative Paragraph Notes